[Lawtan]

*Seeing as how Brave New World and We are present*

14. Anthem - Ayn Rand

Anthem is likely the only book by Rand that I'll like. It is a shorter novel, placed in a "utopian" caste society. Technological progress is strictly monitored, if not in decay, and all concept of the individual has been stripped. However, one optimistic tunnel-worker (Equality 7-2521) has a curse: he thirsts for knowledge beyond his caste.

Overall, the way the setting of the story goes, it echoes both We and Brave New World, but with a slightly more optimistic/realistic turn, in my opinion. The rebels neither win (We) nor lose (B.N.W.), but find a place for themselves. The ending is beautiful to me (I won't spoil it), and I am more sympathetic towards Rand's other works after reading this one.

Were there to be a corner for Dystopian Works: 1984, Brave New World, We, Anthem, and 'Timaeus' and 'Critias'(Atlantis)